22 Jul President Murmu accepts Jagdeep Dhankar’s resignation as Vice President
He tendered his resignation on Monday with immediate effect, citing health reasons, marking a rare mid-term departure from the country’s second-highest constitutional office.
The announcement came as the Monsoon Session of Parliament began on a turbulent note. In his resignation letter, Dhankhar wrote, “To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution.”
When the Rajya Sabha was in session today, before adjournment, MP Ghanshyam Tiwari also announced that Ministry of Home Affairs has conveyed resignation of Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar under Article 67A o of the Constitution with immediate effect.
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Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his best wishes for good health to Jagdeep Dhankhar, noting the numerous opportunities Dhankhar has had to serve India in various important roles, including as the Vice President of the country.Dhankhar, 74, had been serving as the 14th Vice President of India since August 2022. His decision to step down caught many by surprise, including Opposition parties. In a statement released along with the resignation, Dhankhar said, “I am deeply thankful for the invaluable experiences and insights I have gained as Vice President in our great democracy. It has been a privilege and satisfaction to witness and partake in India’s remarkable economic progress and unprecedented exponential development during this significant period. Serving in this transformative era of our nation’s history has been a true honor.”
“As I leave this esteemed office, I am filled with pride in Bharat’s global rise and phenomenal achievements and hold unwavering confidence in her brilliant future. With the deepest respect and gratitude, Joglup Sharkha,” he added.
As the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Dhankhar frequently drew attention for his confrontations with Opposition parties over parliamentary conduct and constitutional interpretation. A motion to remove him from office, initiated by the Opposition earlier in his term, was dismissed by Deputy Chairman Harivansh.
His resignation follows another unexpected development in the Rajya Sabha: a notice moved to remove Justice Yashwant Varma, which has unsettled political dynamics in the Upper House.